Defending MLS champions Huston Dynamo advanced to the semifinals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup with a convincing victory over CDS Municipal on Wednesday evening. Houston, playing in front of their home crowd, was in a scoreless draw in the first half until they finally came alive with two goals from Dwayne De Rosario in the second half. In the semifinals Houston with either face Atlante from Mexico or Deportivo Saprissa from Costa Rica.
Municipal midfielder Mario Rodriguez, who was denied an entry visa, and almost scored in the 10th minute sending a shot just high of the goal, dominated the first 20 minutes of the game. Houston had their first opportunity to score on Craig Waibel’s in the 14th minute but Municipal keeper Jaime Penedo reacted quick enough to palm the ball away. In the middle of the first half Houston had their chances and even had 8 corner kicks in the first 30 minutes of the game.
In the 37th minute Municipal had another chance when Rodriguez broke through the Dynamo defense and was alone against Dynamo goalie Pat Onstad, who never wavered and made his best, and biggest, save of the game. In the 41st minute Dynamo had a chance to break the scoreless draw but De Rosario’s lob shot, after a long ball cleared the Municipal defense, sailed just over the crossbar.
Dynamo scored right after half time, as De Rosario blocked a clearing ball and found the back of the net as Penada charged at him. Municipal had a great chance to even the score in the 54th minute, as Romero had a clear shot from the left side of the box but Onstad made a fantastic kick save.
Dynamo was awarded a penalty kick in the 67th minute after De Rosario fed Corey Ash streaking on the left wing, who was then taken down in the penalty box. De Rosario buried the penalty shot in the low left corner to give Houston a 2-0 lead.
Right after the penalty kick tempers between the two teams flared and a shoving match ensued. The result was 2 yellow cards for both teams. A few minutes later Dynamo added to their lead, as Brian Chung fed Ashe on the left side who sent a one-timer across the goal box to Chris Wondolowski, who made an easy tap in from 6 yards out to give Houston a 3-0 lead. Municipal scored their lone goal in the 85th minute, as they were awarded a penalty kick, which they buried, after Dynamo was whistled for a handball in the penalty area. Municipal had another chance in the 89th minute but Rodriguez’s header hit the post.
Overall the game went back and forth the first half, but Dynamo dominated the second half, as Municipal did not have many opportunities.
